St. Patrick’s Day is one of America’s most widely celebrated holidays, for the Irish and non-Irish alike. It’s a great excuse to gather with friends and family and make merry over bangers n’ mash and a pint of green beer. Sadly, the night often ends with drunk drivers on the road, which pose a threat to other drivers, vehicle passengers, and pedestrians. In 2016 alone, 60 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18). Not only is this behavior deadly, it’s illegal. For that reason, law enforcement will be out in full force to make sure that if you are behind the wheel, you are sober. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Tragically, March 17 has become a dangerous holiday on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, almost two-fifths (39%) of all motor vehicle crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. The early hours of March 18 didn’t fare much better. Between midnight and 5:59 a.m., nearly three-fourths (69%) of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers. In fact, from 2012 to 2016, almost two-fifths (38%) of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) well above the .08 limit, with 269 drunk-driving fatalities total. Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention to their surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.
Never Drive Impaired
In the U.S., an impaired driver kills someone every 30 seconds. Following these safety tips can help keep you from becoming a statistic:
- Don't risk it - If you plan to drive, don't drink.
- Choose a sober designated driver before partying.
- Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.
- Spend the night where the activity is being held.
- Immediately report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
- Always wear your seat belt – it’s the best defense against an impaired driver.
For more information, visit StopImpairedDriving.org.